9.4-14.1 T small-animal PET-MR imaging: Feasibility analysis of LYSO APD readout via long signal lines

In the present work we intend to assess the readout feasibility of Avalanche Photodiode (APD) detectors via long signal lines for the development of a combined small-animal PET-MR prototype based on the ClearPEM technology. The detection performance of a LYSO-APD module was evaluated reading out the APD charge signals to the front-end ASIC via an 80 mm length flexible flat-cable (FFC). Experimental results showed a time resolution of 5.06 ns for the detector module in double-readout mode, with a nonsignificant degradation of 8.4% with the introduction of the FFC. The energy resolution of the system was not degradated by the FFC. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.